Tripology, Travel Channel Partner to Connect Viewers with Agents

Tripology, Travel Channel Partner to Connect Viewers with Agents
By Kate Rice

Tripology has partnered with the Travel Channel so that viewers who become interested in a destination featured on the Travel Channel can connect with an agency specializing in that destination through Tripology, a lead-generating service that connects consumers and agents.

These personalized online travel agents are equipped with the specific episode details -- city, hotels, restaurants, food markets, etc. -- and will book trips to cities featured on popular Travel Channel’s television series. The first series officially launched as part of this partnership was Anthony Bourdain’s “The Layover,” which premiered on Nov. 21, 2011.

“Our partnership with Rand McNally is a key element to our overall digital strategy, providing deeper connections with our viewers and the programming,” said Shannon O’Neill, senior vice president and chief financial officer, Travel Channel. “We continue to explore new opportunities to marry inspiration with activation. We are launching with ‘The Layover,’ but plan to quickly roll out additional specialized itineraries, across many of our properties, that our audiences love.”

Viewers can go to Travelchannel.com to watch additional video from a particular show and then research locations and activities. The site then connects them with Tripology.com.

Users say where they want to go and what type of experience they want, and the request goes to a Travel Channel tripologist who specializes in the area, and is armed with actual itineraries from the programming. Usually within 24 hours, the user will receive an email or phone call from a Travel Channel tripologist who can help plan the trip, and book with them directly.